Blind Curve Ahead

First published on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 6:25pm

Bethel, a friend from the other side of the globe wrote me and asked one question I avoided these past weeks--- for it just make me feel uncomfortable. She said: "forever na ba mo diha sa Manila or after schooling lang?" I smiled at the word "forever".  

School Year 2012-2013 is the last leg of the three-year track my husband opted for a program that leads to an MA degree.  Meanwhile, I'll finish mine on the first term. God-willing, we will graduate together in March of 2013. I know that Rueland is earnestly seeking the Lord about this. But chose to be quiet for now. Sometimes I would do some prying or give some hints that obviously annoy him. Oh, the corrupted Eve in me! 

Where is the next stop of the journey? Scary thought! Not really the "where" per se, but its implications. I wish I have the answer now. I wish I can answer my friend specifically.   

Guess what? Someone up there was touched by this woman's restlessness! As I was typing my reply to my friend, God just brought to mind a song that speaks of one's desperation and just allow God to go before him.  It is the same song that Bethel and I used to sing together in church and in youth camps. Down the memory lane, I chose to trace imprints of His grace and mercies. And then told myself,  "Hey, isn't it too late to doubt now? ;-)

How clever the Father is!  First, He refreshed my memory with my commitment to follow and obey Him. Then, He assured me that He is God eternal and unchanging--that is His commitment to me! And as if to nail down His point--- He gently rebuked me that for a wife and mother who is under the authority of her husband, there is no other way to go but to be still and know that He is the God who called my husband-- He will be our portion here on earth and in eternity.  Such awesome way of loving by our Heavenly Father! 

So... my action point from hereon is: No more prying or giving of hints. Just sing! ;-)

Lead Me  

written by Steve Taylor

Lord, I'm through trying to take the upper hand.

I never knew, but now I think I understand.

On my own, wanting it in black and white.

On my knees, things are in a different light.

Chorus:

Lead me along the path.

Lead me along the winding way.

I trust enough to never need the why if You'll take me to the where.

Lead me along the path.

Lead me along the winding way.

I don't know what's around the corner Lord, but I know that You'll be there.

Lord I'm through wondering what lies in store.

It's up to You, You've never let me down before.

Bubbles burst when I'm the one who knows what's best.

When You're first, I'm never gonna second-guess.

Bridge:

Helpless alone

Blest be the ties.

My point of view points to You

You've become my eyes.

In case you would like to check on this song, found a nice video of it. Here is  the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBvGAM5641g 

"

"I trust enough to never need the why if You'll take me to the where."

The badge and the slim woman

First Published on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 5:06pm

Unmindful of the many people around, he came running.   From behind, he shouted "Mom, I got a surprise for you and dad!" Knowing Joshua, it's next to impossible to contain his excitement.  But then, we need to rush home. So I motioned him to come so we could proceed to the nearest taxi bay.

As soon as we got home, Josh, beaming with smile presented two brown paper bags (from Papelmeroti)- one for mom and one for dad. "Oh, it's a badge!" I exclaimed. And continued on to read the quote printed on it:

" A mother's love and quiet trust in the Lord are the hidden strengths of the home."

As if in a trance, I was suddenly in a deep thought (actually in prayer),

"Lord, how did Joshua know that I struggle in the area of  quiet trust? I could almost see an angel leading him to choose this one perfect badge amongst the many designs in that store so You could give me a gentle reminder and rebuke. ;-)"

 Joshua just stood there infront of me as if waiting for my comment. So I got up and gave him a big thank you hugs and kisses and held him for a while in my lap.   Then I turned to Rueland and saw that he also got one badge that says, 

"World's Greatest Dad"

"Congratulations, dear, for being the greatest dad of this world!" and I hugged Joshua even more.

I didn't realize that "congratulating" his dad would move Joshua to explain something very important-- and yes, he was serious about it.  He said,  "Mom, I was supposed to buy that badge which says"World's Greatest Mom", but there's a picture of a slim woman on it. Since you are not slim, so I didn't buy it na lang."   And I literally roared into laughters.

As I pondered on Joshua's sweet surprise, it got me thinking what truly makes a mom the world's greatest in every child's eyes.  Definitely not because she is slim and fit! 

Let me flashback to some 30+ years ago. My childhood is filled with sweet memories of my own mother, the late Leonila Idal Datas Serrano. I am amazed to realize that much of the joy I felt in mothering Joshua now is because of how she mothered me in those first 10 years of my life. There was that purest joy and fun when she plays with me, there was a feeling of comfort and warm when she's around and there was a sense of pride when she would boast about me to her relatives and friends. ;-)

I am convinced that JOSHUA MADE THE BEST CHOICE in picking that badge for me. For greatness is but a natural result of a sacrificial love and a quiet trust in the Lord. 

Inspirations from "Sendong" Victims

 First published on Monday, December 26, 2011 at 7:21pm

More than the resiliency which we Filipinos are known for, I would like to believe that the statements below are one of the answers to millions of prayers uttered/whispered for residents of CDO and Iligan cities. I am sharing them to you (in case you haven't read them yet) to get inspiration from. I was in tears while reading this, particularly the last paragraph, made me shout "Amen!"

Let us continue to pray for rehabilitation and restoration of shelters and infrastructures; that financial aids will be managed well and protected from any selfish gains. Likewise, pray for healing of lives from trauma and shock; that they will respond positively to medical volunteers. 

Read on and be inspired:

In six evacuation centers crammed with 20,000 people in Cagayan de Oro, a mix of desperation and a subdued Christmas spirit was in the air on Friday.

For single-mother Nova Lopena, there was so much to thank for. "We lost our house, our little shelter, but he is the greatest gift for this year," the 17-year-old said of her 2-week-old baby Hadji Rey.

At West City Central School, Josefa Mandula, 66, was waiting for her son to arrive with food packs from the relief line. Mandula's house was swept away by the rampaging flood, but nothing could stop her from celebrating with her family intact in the evacuation center.

"We can prepare sardines, pancit or misua so that we can have something to eat," Mandula said.

Said Imelda Lantawan, whose family was sharing a room in the school with 25 other families: "It would be a great Christmas after all, with new friends we can share experiences with."

In one corner, Cesar Legazpi said that despite the tragedy, there was reason to be thankful for the second chance in life.

"While others perished, we need to go on and smile and honor their memories. We must be thankful for the chance we are given because many did not have that chance," Legazpi said.

Bleak Christmas

Flora Abellanosa, 65, said celebrating Christmas at the evacuation center would give survivors a chance to "reflect on their lives, their blessings and losses, and the chances we are given and the changes we are going to make."

Vilma Laturino, an evacuee at Xavier Heights in Upper Balulang, said she was thankful that her husband and her five children survived Friday's disaster. "Our Christmas celebration will be sad because we lost our home. It is really painful to be celebrating it in an evacuation center, but at least my family is safe," she said.

Reminder of Christ

At the flood-stricken village of Balulang, Teresita Palacio was still clearing debris in front of her house. She still could not say where and how her family would spend Christmas. "But it will come. It serves to remind us of the sufferings of Jesus, whose birthday we are celebrating," Palacio said.

At Villa Angela Subdivision, Carmelita Sabinay could only stare at the Christmas gifts she had wrapped last week. They were now scattered on the mud-splattered floor. The Christmas tree was in the garbage dump outside. But the lantern still hangs in the garage. "The Christmas tree was beyond repair, so it has to go, but not the spirit it represents," Sabinay said.   COPYRIGHT: ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Excerpts from the news taken from: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/sendong-death-toll-philippines-may-reach-3-000-084006851.html

No Doubt About it! (and my 3-Point Prayer that comes along)

First published on Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11:43am

I BELIEVE IN THE INTEGRITY OF THE JUDGES! They are experts and they did well. The decision may not be popular but they stood to what is right-- BEING THE EXPERTS (or authority) IN THE FIELD OF BOXING. Thus, there's NO DOUBT ABOUT IT-- (and I hope those who doubted would concede) that indeed it was our MANNY PAQUIAO who DESERVES THE TITLE.  

My 3-Point Prayer for Manny Paquiao is that:

• he will not give in to the "doubters".  Paquiao need not go for the 4th fight against Marquez just to prove his might.  The 3rd one is enough proof that he is better than Marquez. Not to mention those  others he had won over in the past years;
• he will firmly decide to retire-- for the sake of his health, his family and his constituents. Back home is a stronger enemy to fight for the Filipino people-- to fight poverty in the hearts and minds of people and rally them to rise above the poverty mentality; and lastly
• that his pride will not feed on the power of politics. With or without the position, he can make a lot of difference. One classic example is Jimmy Carter whose "Habitat for Humanity" made more and is continually making a global impact (as compared to his impact when he was the president of the USA).

Encompassing the above prayer points is his relationship with Jesus Christ.  I hope that he will be intentional in knowing the Lord, and that God will surround him with the right people who could lovingly coach him in fighting life's real battle field-- the self.  Mark Anthony accurately described it when he said (paraphrased), nothing is much sweeter than victory over self.  Although it is ironic (at least to me) that,  after betraying Rome for his love for Cleopatra -- the two chose to end life in a "duo-suicide" when Rome's great military overpowerd them.  

Join me in praying that Manny Paquiao (together with Jinkee and children) will draw strength from Jesus and to rely on the power of God in all his remaining fights in this life. 

Thanks to http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A2KJkK3wmMBOF0IAS6iJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBlMTQ4cGxyBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1n?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dmanny%2Bpaquiao%2Bwith%2Bfamily%26n%3D30%26ei%3Dutf-8%26y%3DSearch%26b%3D1%26tab%3Dorganic&w=500&h=375&imgurl=www.mindstyle.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F07%2FM1A.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mindstyle.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D3625&size=144.2+KB&name=Manny+Pacquiao%3A+Family+Man+%26amp%3B+Congressman+«+MINDstyle+blog&p=manny+paquiao+with+family&oid=40c681d55d663d207be74d891bd7d676&fr2=&fr=&rw=manny+pacquiao+with+family&tt=Manny+Pacquiao%3A+Family+Man+%26amp%3B+Congressman+«+MINDstyle+blog&b=0&ni=30&no=3&tab=organic&ts=&sigr=11500hbqt&sigb=13frvpe0p&sigi=11puq3re0&.crumb=bbPvh2wvGav

Songs of my father...

First published on Monday, October 3, 2011 at 12:33am

I'm usually senti when memories of my papang struck me.  

Both the good and not so good ones are carefully kept in my heart. 

The ones that stood out are his favorite songs that unknowingly were passed on to me.

I usually sing them in my quiet moments.  They bring sweet memories of how my father live out his faith in Jesus, his passion in preaching the gospel to the tribes. Here are some lines of his favorite hyms that are very meaningful and deep. These songs truly cheered me along life's dark days. 

"Each step I take, I know that He will guide me, to higher ground, He ever leads me on; Until someday, the last step will be taken; Each step I take, just leads me closer home.."  

"Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand, but I know WHO holds tomorrow, and I know, He holds my hands"

"But I know Whom I have believed, and I'm persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed, unto Him against that day!"

" The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen can ever tell; It goes beyond the highest star, And reaches to the lowest hell;The guilty pair, bowed down with care,God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled, And pardoned from his sin."

It's a regret that I have not told him this when he was still alive. Nor expressed how I truly appreciate his work, his life and his impact to mine. And this truly pains me everytime. So I just sing his songs...and our Heavenly Father hears and receives the praise!

Coming out from the flesh trade

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at 6:22pm

Surely there had been thousands of reflections on her life.   But this morning's reflection on Mary Magdalene's encounter with Jesus at Simon's house (Luke 7:36-50) was something new-- at least to me. ;-) I got stuck thinking about the perfume. Yes, the cost of the perfume which is equivalent to a one-year salary (granting a minimum-wage earner, still, the perfume is expensive!)

Why this particular perfume?  Simon knew who she was. And probably, he is fuming mad at the thought of having her in the house. Of all people! Why on earth she was there? How could this woman put him in a very embarrassing situation. And to make a scene like that? The nerve! 

Why that particular perfume?  Mary invested on that expensive perfume for her to thrive in the flesh trade. She is beautiful but she needs a signature scent that would signal clients to come nigh. But that very moment, she just poured everything on to Jesus feet.  "What a waste of money!", the spectators smirked. And the banquet host began to question Jesus why he seemed to enjoy the attention given him.  Of which Jesus politely and indirectly anwered by quoting a story.  Simon must have marked that day!

With that last drop of perfume comes Mary's resolve to come out from and leave the flesh trade for good.   Of course the economic implication of her decision is obvious. I wonder how many mouths she need to feed, how many lives depend on her?  But nothing matters to her that very moment than being able to express her utmost love to Christ who brought meaning and purpose to her life. She radically and publicly surrendered her life, her job and her future.

"Your sins are forgiven.. your faith has saved you; go in peace", Jesus' gentle affirmation to Mary. And such affirmation encompasses the journey of the here and now and the life after-- until that final stop in glory.  

I smiled, trying to picture how Mary Magdalene took those words. Did she excitedly leapt on her feet and gave Jesus a big hug? Ooops, culturally unacceptable. Or maybe she just contained her joy in her heart, and silently left. ;-)

Then my thoughts went back to the perfume-- this time, my perfume.  

 Have I poured out the last drop or am I still keeping some?

"Lord, you created me and You know me better than I would ever know myself.  Open my eyes and help me see the areas that are left unsurrendered; that I may offer them to you without any reservations; that before you I can honestly say, 'Lord, reign in me'. Thank you for your unconditional love and grace. To you I offer my life every day. Amen"

My Jellyfish Encounter

First published on Monday, August 15, 2011 at 1:41am

No, not in the water but in a dark large room where some parts of its walls are converted into a glass window showcasing beautiful dancing Jellies. Almost like fairies! (Ahem, as if I'd seen one! lol)

The tour guide explained that, “Jellies are transparent. So we designed the aquarium with shifting lights that create the colors in every jellyfish that you’d see inside”.  

In amazement I was teary-eyed.  No, not at the lights—but at the very beauty of  jellies dancing and waving, as if inviting me to touch them!  There’s a wonderful delight inside me that I couldn’t help my tears from flowing.

Of course, even if there’s an opportunity for me to touch them, it will be unwise to do so.  I learned in biology class and I quote "that touching or being touched by a jellyfish can be very uncomfortable, sometimes requiring medical assistance; sting effects range form no effect to extreme pain to death.  Because of the wide variation in response to jellyfish stings, it is wisest not to contact any jellyfish with bare skin. Even beached and dying jellyfish can still sting when touched."

Joshua then asked me, “Mom, why don’t they sting one another?”  And because I was in deep thought, I replied, “Oh, that’s one great question, son, that mom is not prepared to answer for now.” (If there’s an honest alibi, then consider that to be an example! lol)  Lost in his own delight, my son continued to enjoy the wonderful sights and went ahead.

While I was left on that melancholy mode, I was reminded of our lives as followers of Jesus. When in all abandonment, we surrender and let Him  take full control of our lives, it is like being  transparent to Him.  And the more transparent we become, the very light of our Lord Jesus will bring out the beauty in us and subsequently brings delight to the Almighty Father.

I cannot fully describe my delight as my eyes feasted on the beautiful dancing jellies.  I can only express them through tears.  I left that room with a prayer thanking God for His grace—that through Jesus Christ, we are being delighted by our Heavenly Father.  And what a wonderful privilege to have a taste of such a delight!

PS: 

So what’s the answer to my son’s question?  The book says that a jellyfish stings only their prey. That means they don’t consider one another as prey. As simple as that!  This leads us to another moral of the story--- that true believers of Jesus do not sting one another! ;-)

"Thank you, Lord, for Manila Ocean Park's complimentary ticket. Dateline: 13 August 2011"